Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist

Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Peer Support Specialist provides peer-based recovery support services to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, mental health concerns, substance use disorders, suicidal ideation, and co-occurring conditions. Using lived experience and a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach, the Peer Support Specialist promotes hope, resiliency, recovery, and participant engagement while assisting individuals in navigating behavioral health services and community resources.

The Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with the Mobile Crisis Response Team, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline partners, behavioral health providers, Tribal departments, healthcare organizations, schools, first responders, and community agencies to strengthen continuity of care, reduce barriers to treatment, and improve long-term recovery outcomes.

Job duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide peer mentoring, encouragement, and emotional support to individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges.
• Utilize lived experience to promote hope, recovery, resiliency, and participant self-advocacy.
• Assist participants in developing individualized recovery and wellness goals.
• Conduct follow-up contacts after behavioral health crises to encourage continued engagement in services.
• Assist with behavioral health navigation and connect participants to culturally responsive Tribal, community, healthcare, housing, employment, and recovery resources.
• Support warm handoffs between the Mobile Crisis Response Team, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, behavioral health providers, hospitals, and community partners.
• Encourage participant engagement in behavioral health treatment, recovery services, support groups, and community-based programs.
• Assist participants in developing coping skills, life skills, independent living skills, and healthy wellness practices.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case coordination meetings to support participant progress and continuity of care.
• Assist with outreach events, behavioral health education, community awareness activities, and recovery-focused programming.
• Maintain accurate documentation, case notes, and required program records in accordance with Tribal, State, Federal, and grant requirements.
• Maintain participant confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and applicable Tribal policies.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, peer support training, cultural competency training, and trauma-informed care education.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

Knowledge, skills, certifications, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of recovery-oriented systems of care and peer support principles.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and culturally responsive behavioral health practices.
• Ability to establish rapport and build trusting relationships with participants from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong communication, active listening, motivational interviewing, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of behavioral health, substance use disorders, suicide prevention, and community recovery resources.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing peer support services.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work independently.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Endorsement and support of Tribal values, culture, and philosophy.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain ethical guidelines and participant confidentiality.

Minimum qualifications include:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist or ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Lived experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, or family recovery experience preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience providing peer support, behavioral health services, social services, or related human services preferred.
• Experience working with Native American communities preferred.
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment.
• Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-Free workplace as a condition of employment with the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment. A DMV print out and background check will be required.
• Must successfully pass a Fingerprint-based background check of potential employees, volunteers, and contractors pursuant to Public Law 101-630 - Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License and maintain a clean driving record.
• Must be willing to travel throughout the service area.
• Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and participate in an on-call rotation as needed.
• CPR/First Aid Certification preferred or required within 60 days of hire.
• Indian Preference will apply in accordance with the Pala Band of Mission Indians policy.

Other requirements include:

All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Employee Handbook of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendums.